Top 10 most dangerous jobs in the UK
Some professions are for the brave individuals who risk their lives to serve in various industries and to earn a livelihood.
These jobs are often in high demand all over the world, as only a few individuals are fit to undergo a series of training and safety courses before they are certified for the jobs.
Here are the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the UK.
Welder
Working as a welder requires training and the use of specialised safety equipment because it sometimes requires working at great heights like skyscrapers, bridges, and towers with the risks of falling, slipping, or tripping. Even with all of the safety gear, the risk of fatal injuries remains high.
To be successful on the job, you need a high level of attention to detail, as this job requires precise and careful execution.
Waste operator
Waste collectors are one of the professionals we interact with regularly, as they are trained to make sure that our homes and surroundings are clean and safe from hazards that can affect our health. These operators take away those rotten, smelly refuses you find difficult to dispose of. To be a waste operator in the UK, you must be well trained to adhere to safety procedures enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), regardless of educational or professional background.
Roofer
Have you wondered how roofing sheets are moved to the highest point of a house without the fear of a slippery roof when it’s wet or burns on the feet when the sun is shining? One misplaced step, and they can find themselves in the ground. To succeed as a roofer, you need concentration and composure, a sense of safety, and balance while being on a rooftop.
A moderate to high level of physical fitness and safety practice is needed to keep yourself safe while performing this physically demanding role of providing safety and shelter for someone else.
Maintenance Mechanic
Maintenance mechanic work involves repairing heavy machinery, handling high-voltage electrical systems, and working with dangerous chemicals. The demands of lifting and crouching can lead to injuries, while constant exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing loss risks. To avoid these dangers, safety protocols, such as using personal protective equipment and strict adherence to “lockout/tagout” procedures, are essential to staying safe while on duty.
Lorry driver
Driving large vehicles for long hours is very challenging for the driver, especially due to bad weather conditions and pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to long, uninterrupted hours. A driver is also expected to have some level of familiarity with automotive maintenance in case of emergency repair and maintenance on the road. These workers have high accident rates, especially on busy highways.
Construction
The construction job is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK because it requires workers to navigate high scaffolding, dodge heavy machinery, and the constant loading and unloading of construction materials.
While construction jobs require the presence of safety officers to provide safety gear, training, and regulations aimed to protect workers while jobs are done on sites, the ever-evolving nature of construction sites makes this job one of the most dangerous in the UK, where risk is simply part of the job description.
Agriculture
Agriculture and farming are very physically demanding jobs that expose workers to threats from heavy machinery, animals, and chemicals. Apart from the physical threats on the job, it also demands the ability to manage pressures from loss of investments, especially if there is a flu or disease outbreak.
Mining
Miners are exposed to risks of fatal injuries and chronic lung diseases due to collapsing tunnels, poor visibility, confined spaces, and constant dust exposure.
Due to the unpredictability of underground work and the constant risk of environmental hazards, despite advanced efforts to ensure safety, mining still ranks among the most dangerous.
Large animal vet
Being a large animal vet is a risky profession due to the unpredictable nature of the animals, such as cows, horses, and pigs, that they treat.
These professionals face physical threats from the animals they treat and often work in harsh outdoor conditions, which may involve extreme weather, challenging terrains, and long working hours. They are also at risk of contracting diseases like tuberculosis, brucellosis, and leptospirosis, especially when dealing with livestock.
Paramedics & Fire Fighters
Every time these professionals are called to an emergency, they face danger as their job is often related to life-or-death situations that put them at significant risk. as they tackle blazes in collapsing buildings, work in hazardous smoke-filled environments, and handle explosions or chemical fires.
This profession demands that the workers are physically fit, as they would be lifting heavy objects and humans. Sometimes, they are exposed to burns and diseases while carrying out their duty.
